​Reading about faraway lands or local gems can capture our imagination and spark us to explore. Seeking out cities where our favorite literary authors and characters lived, worked, or were inspired, is the best way to live your life through your favorite books. You can experience all that and more at these five universities. They’re sure to fuel your passion for literature while studying abroad.

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University is a vibrant community where students are able to work closely with professors this provides SAF students the perfect opportunity to explore literature in the city.​Many generations of writers have been inspired by the City by the Bay. For book lovers, head to the City Lights, the iconic independent bookshop before exploring the neighborhood to find hangouts of popular literary writers. San Francisco also has a nine-day literary event known as Litquake, which is the largest festival of its kind on the West Coast.

Lewis & Clark College

Located in a beautiful urban city while surrounded by natural beauty, Lewis & Clark College will get SAF students' literary imagination running.

Whether it’s the rain, or the amazing coffee, or perhaps the green landscape – whatever it is, Portland has borne many writers. Spend your time abroad at Wordstock, Portland’s ever-growing book festival or pop into the renowned Powell’s Books – the store stocks more than 1 million books!​For a literary adventure, join other SAF students at Lewis & Clark College.

University of Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is home to one of the world’s most beautiful cities and the University of Edinburgh, where you can study abroad with SAF.

Named UNESCO’s first City of Literature, Edinburgh is a city for book lovers. With a long literary tradition, Edinburgh has inspired more than 500 novels. Explore Edinburgh where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle dreamed up the eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes, or pop in The Elephant House for hot cocoa and a peek at the view that is said to have inspired Hogwarts from Harry Potter. If you’re in Edinburgh during the summer, plan a trip to the International Book Festival; it’s the largest in the world with hundreds of events.​Take advantage of all literary opportunities in Edinburgh by studying with SAF at the University of Edinburgh.

University of Washington

With a beautiful seaside setting, the University of Washington allows SAF students to work closely with professors on their language speaking and writing skills. Perfect for any bookworm!

Brimming with independent bookstores that will pleasure your imagination, Seattle was the second U.S. city to be named a UNESCO City of Literature. With many general bookshops with something for everyone, there are several specialty shops with a specific target group in mind. Readers visiting the Emerald City will find a variety of unique bookstores dealing in everything from mysteries to travel and much more. A book lover’s visit to Seattle would not be complete without stopping by the Elliot Bay Book Company, an iconic establishment featuring approximately 150,000 books.​Start your next semester by studying at the University of Washington with SAF.

University college Dublin

Ireland’s largest university, the University College Dublin will instantly immerse SAF students in literature.

Soak up the atmosphere and follow in the steps of literary legends with a walking tour curated by James Joyce Centre, then stop in the Dublin Writers’ Museum or sneak a peek of The Book of Kells, housed at Trinity College, to celebrate the bookish history of the city. Prefer poetry to prose? Celebrate the life and works of W.B. Yeats at The National Library of Ireland's interactive exhibit.

l​Whether you love going to swim or play beach volleyball, the beach is always a great spot to hang out while studying abroad - don't forget your sunscreen. These beaches are world-class – the best of the best for surf, sand, and sun. Look no farther than these five top locations to study abroad for those who love the beach!

University of New South Wales

Nestled in the suburb of Sydney, UNSW provides students an outdoor lifestyle year-round thanks to the warm climate. Relax at a range of beautiful beaches in Sydney, from the Sydney Harbour to some of the world’s best surf beaches. There are the world-famous Bondi and Manly beaches, well-kept secret beaches, and secluded beaches in Australia’s oldest national park, the Royal National Park.​Join SAF at the University of New South Wales for the perfect warm weather on Sydney’s beaches.

University of Hawaii, Hilo

The University of Hawaii, Hilo offers SAF students amazing opportunities to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Hawaii.

Hawaii can easily claim to have the most beautiful beaches in the world. Why is that? For starters, they come in every size, shape, and color which provide the ultimate photo-op. Best of all, you can access every single one of them, since all of Hawaii’s beaches are public.

University of California, San Diego

With nearly 263 sunny days a year, University of California, San Diego offers SAF students the perfect conditions to live an active lifestyle. Surfers and sun worshipers alike flock to San Diego for it breathtaking 70 miles of coastline. San Diego has no shortage of incredible beaches with plenty of fun things to do like boardwalks with shops and restaurants, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, and other unique diversions.

University of Queensland

Located in the neighborhood of St Lucia, the University of Queensland provides students with a 114-hectare campus and over 300 days of sunshine annually. The Brisbane area is home to a number of tucked away beaches, bayside, and nearby islands. Whether you’re after a surf beach, dog beach, no-wave beach, or a quiet spot to lie in the sun Brisbane’s got you covered.

University of California, Santa Barbara

Considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, UC Santa Barbara offers world-class academics on an oceanfront campus.

One of the best parts about studying at Santa Barbara is its proximity to the ocean. With miles of sun-drenched and sandy coastline, you’ll have trouble picking which of its pristine beaches to visit first. From surf-friendly waves to a gentle ocean, a visit to Santa Barbara beaches makes even a perfect day that much better.

​Whether you’re preparing to study abroad for the first time or beginning another semester overseas, maximize your experience with these tips from SAF American University Alumna Rebecca Yan.

1. Celebrate Your Accomplishments Abroad

At first, everything is new, especially in the United States. In some ways it can seem like you’re living a television series. You find yourself thinking in new and challenging ways. It can be exhausting. Celebrate your everyday achievements, no matter how mundane. Find things you enjoy about the culture and celebrate your independence.

2. Make New (Foreign) Friends

Be sure that you develop long-term friendships with people from around the world. Have deep talks and be open to learn new ways of life. When homesick, find comfort by sharing your culture with your friends from abroad. Chances are they will be enthralled by your stories about home.

3. Travel

From Las Vegas to London and beyond, there are so many places to visit now that you’re in the Western Hemisphere. A great way to get over feeling homesick is to get excited about going on an adventure.

4. Be Open Minded

Be open to not only learning American culture but others, too. Join international clubs and take advantage of the cultural enrichment events at your university. At American University, for example, Abroad at AU provides opportunities for international students to go on city tours, attend talk sessions and more. I can tell you that it is amazing.

5. Use University Resources

I think one of the best parts of studying at American University is that we have so many resources on campus. Visit your university resource center to learn more about campus activities, concerts, sports activities, job fairs, writing labs and more.

6. Learn to Prepare Your Favorite Foods

If you learn to cook even just one of your most-loved meals from home, you won’t have to rely on those (in)authentic restaurants near campus for comfort food. Or, you may return home to find that you miss dining on a new Western favorite. In either case, record the recipes and practice making them in the kitchen -- with friends.

From Jinan, the capital of China's Shandong province, one SAF Scholar reveals how he adapted to American campus culture.

I had no confidence in my ability to adapt myself to the study life abroad before I went to Berkeley.

My experience at Berkeley studying overseas was an exciting event for me, but I once worried about it very much before going abroad. My first concern was the English language. Although I have been learning English for more than 10 years, I thought my insufficient vocabulary might be a problem. The second concern was face to face communication with foreigners. Because of these worries and concerns, I had no confidence in my ability to adapt myself to the study life abroad before I went to Berkeley. With these worries, I studied at Berkeley in July and August this year for more than 40 days. I met a lot of difficulties and have overcome many problems. This experience is unforgettable to me.

1. I dared to communicate with my classmates and foreign friends

As expected, the first trouble I experienced was with the English language. I really learned English for the needs of daily life before, but I found that the English which I had learned did not satisfy the specialized area. I could not even understand what the teacher spoke in the language classes. However, I believed the summer session would improve my English if I tried my best to study. Past experience has proved my success. I insisted on learning English everyday during the summer session, and dared to communicate with my classmates and foreign friends. Soon my English greatly improved.

2. I relied on support from fellow Chinese students

The second trouble was relationships between people who come from different countries, because they might have absolute different opinions. Knowing how to get on well with the Western people was also one of the biggest challenges. Thanks to the large number of Chinese students there, I felt close to the Chinese students and we students helped each other. My experience shows that the best way to get on with the Western people is by being polite to them. They would not feel the distance between the Chinese person who always keeps smiling in every way.

​Chao DongHost: University of California, Berkeley Home: School of Nuclear Science and Technology Lanzhou

Finding the right-fit university for you is about identifying and sharing the informal characteristics of the community you will join. From their differing teaching methodologies to the prominence of their extra-curricular activities, the institutions that make up our top-tier International University Network offer wide-ranging approaches to successful study abroad experiences.

In a survey of 443 U.S. colleges and universities, College Factual identified schools that provide “quality educational outcomes and a supportive community to students from other countries," then ranked them based on student body caliber, educational resources, total number of international students on campus and more. We’re proud to see so many of our member universities topped the list.

But remember to look beyond the rankings. With our expert advice and international education knowledge, we can help ensure you get into the program that best suits your academic ambitions, qualifications and interests.

SAF Member Universities Among the Top 10 Best U.S. Universities for International Students From:

A whopping 47 percent of our students surveyed from SAF China said their primary reason for attending summer sessions is as preparation for graduate study abroad. We don't have to tell you that as a visting student gaining admission to Western graduate schools, especially programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), is growing increasingly competitive. Here are our tips for gaining an edge.

Participate in class discussions, seize opportunities to lead presentations, join a student club related to public speaking, leadership or debating, and improve your writing skills through peer or professional tutoring at the university's writing center.

​3. Make New Friends

A university campus is a wellspring of informal mentors. Reach out to fellows in your classes, talk with professors during their office hours and do your best to make lasting friendships with students from around the world. There's no telling how these relationships may help you.

4. Dive Into Local Culture

While it's comfortable to talk with the friends you have and eat the food you know, these habits will not expand your understanding of the local (and campus) culture. If you plan to further your education in the West, make an effort to experience life as a local through food, activities and new friendships. This will help you explain why a university's community is perfect for you in graduate school applications.

5. Be Recommendation Worthy

Professors have less time to get to know visiting students than full-time students and thus may be reluctant to write recommendation letters over summer sessions and short-term study. Don't take it personally, and don't push it. Throughout your education abroad (especially when you think no one's watching) demonstrate an interest in your courses by:

I'm Angelene. I recently came back to Singapore from studying abroad in LA and here are my thoughts to anyone thinking of going:

I did my exchange in UCLA for the fall quarter and what a time it was! I studied two higher level English courses to fulfil my requirements as an English major, and took up two music history courses (History of Rock and History of Electronic Dance Music) as electives. All of them were so much fun as the professors were very passionate and brought life into each subject, not to mention, these courses aren’t easily available elsewhere.

I also made many new local friends, having joined a campus dance team, and travelled with them to compete in regional competitions. Most of my time was dedicated to training with them, thus I got to know them pretty well and forge memories to last a lifetime. Travelling around the West Coast was pretty easy by bus, which I did before and after the quarter ended. There’s so much to see - the breathtaking beaches and cliffs in San Diego, the thrift shops and arts scene in San Francisco, The Strip in Vegas, it was all so much fun.

Going on exchange is definitely a precious opportunity, one that is much more than going to an overseas school. You’ll learn about other cultures, practices and most importantly, about yourself. You’ll be motivated to grow as a person and you’ll learn to open your heart to things you did not already understand, if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone.

Beginning her second semester abroad, SAFer Rasyidah Abdullah offers advice for new international students.

1. Make sure to do your preparations thoroughly and well in advance. In spite of how much fun it sounds, adapting to a new place with its own unique culture in addition to studying or working full-time is a really tough challenge.

2. Stay strong and always remember what your aim is for participating in a study abroad.

3. Make the most of your time abroad and balance your time between academic or professional responsibilities and fun activities.

4. Remember only a small percentage of people have the opportunity to enroll in study abroad programmes, and it would thus greatly increase your chances for a brighter future.

5. Take part in the local activities. It's also important as it will provide you with insight into the culture as well as opportunities to widen your network.